Petite Sirah was the most commonly planted grape in Napa Valley for nearly a century and now we are witnessing a resurgence and new appreciation for this historic hero variety! Known for its dark color, firm structure, and deep blue and black fruit flavors, it is perfectly suited to Napa Valley's moderate and dry growing season. Petite Sirah was also a favorite grape among winemakers looking to pump up underpowered wines in need of deep fruit, color, and structure. Its natural versatility made it a great counterpart to all red varieties including Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Petite Sirah Royal Punishers is packed with inky dark fruit, lavender, licorice, espresso, dried herbs and bittersweet chocolate, all wrapped into a mid-weight frame. Despite its obvious intensity, this is a rare Petite that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Markedly fresh and elegant up front, with hibiscus and pomegranate accents that give way to richer tones of dark chocolate–laced cherry and plum. Subtle herbal tea nuances swirl in, and the finish shows good length, with integrated tannins. Drink now through 2038. 1,170 cases made."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 91-93 POINTS - "Tasted as a tank sample prior to bottling, the 2024 Petite Sirah Royal Punishers looks to be another fine example of this cuvée, which is largely based on Rutherford-grown fruit from the Gamble family. Black cherries, licorice and blueberries abound on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate features plentiful but silky-textured tannins, followed by a long, mouthwatering finish."
ANTONIO GALLONI 92 POINTS - "The 2024 Petite Sirah Royal Punishers is packed with inky dark fruit, lavender, licorice, espresso, dried herbs and bittersweet chocolate, all wrapped into a mid-weight frame. Despite its obvious intensity, this is a rare Petite that can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Markedly fresh and elegant up front, with hibiscus and pomegranate accents that give way to richer tones of dark chocolate–laced cherry and plum. Subtle herbal tea nuances swirl in, and the finish shows good length, with integrated tannins. Drink now through 2038. 1,170 cases made."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 91-93 POINTS - "Tasted as a tank sample prior to bottling, the 2024 Petite Sirah Royal Punishers looks to be another fine example of this cuvée, which is largely based on Rutherford-grown fruit from the Gamble family. Black cherries, licorice and blueberries abound on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate features plentiful but silky-textured tannins, followed by a long, mouthwatering finish."
